Shower Mold Removal

Mold growth in showers is a common problem in many households. This article lists some tips to get rid of it, ways to reduce its occurrence, and the reasons why its eradication is important.

The black mold that infests bathrooms if often quite persistent and difficult to get rid of. Mold and mildew are kinds of fungi that take root and multiply in places of warmth and humidity. Removing shower mold is a housekeeping routine that you have to keep at to ensure that your bathroom stays dry and clean. Although it may initially seem like an impossible task, a little care and effort can go a long way in ensuring that your bathroom remains dry. The following are some tips that may help.

Removal

Mold thrives in areas of warmth and humidity, which is primarily why it flourishes in the bathroom. It is particularly stubborn because of its constant exposure to moisture. However, once you figure out how to get rid of it, it becomes easier to fight it. The following are some steps that will help.

The first step is to identify where the mold is proliferating. More often than not, it is visible along the caulk that lines the shower, as well as on the tiles, exposed walls and ceilings, and also on shower curtains.

Use protective rubber gloves for your hands. Spray some hot water mixed with a strong detergent onto the area you wish to clean. Then use a brush with some elbow grease and scrub it. If the mold comes off with this, then wash off with warm water, wipe down with a clean paper towel, and dry completely.

Sometimes, removing it with normal detergents isn't possible and you require special cleaning agents to tackle the issue. Several products are commercially available, which are made specifically for treating it. Bleach is another effective product. Mix one part bleach with one part water and spray it on the surface. Then wipe it off and let it dry.

Mold that grows along the caulk is more stubborn than most. In certain cases, the only way to deal with it is to remove the caulk completely, clean out the debris at the base, and then re-lay it.

Prevention

Once you've gotten rid of the fungus, the next step is to reduce its occurrence with some preventive methods. Since a bathroom is continuously exposed to water, and dampness and humidity help mold growth, ventilation is important. Try to keep the windows open when taking a hot shower to allow steam to escape. If that isn't possible, install a bathroom fan and keep it running during and after your shower to speed up the drying process. Wipe down the shower stall after every use until dry, and clean it regularly with bleach. Since shower curtains are also prone to develop patches of mold, wash them at regular intervals with a good detergent. Use a solution with vinegar in it for the final rinse. If you are uncomfortable using bleach, vinegar works well as a substitute. Finally, this fungus flourishes in the dark, so ensure that the shower area is brightly-lit.

The dangers of this fungus growing in the shower include a number of respiratory disorders, stomach infections, and allergies. It is imperative to stop its growth as it can take a toll on your body, especially since you are exposed to it every day. It can be tackled with regular cleaning routines and simple preventive measures to retard its growth and appearance. In addition, getting rid of it regularly ensures that your family is safe from diseases and infections and that your bathroom is dry and clean.